The Sahuarita–Green Valley Samaritans—known across Southern Arizona for trekking into some of the most remote stretches of the Sonoran Desert to deliver lifesaving aid to migrants—have received national recognition for their work.
On Tuesday, December 9th, the Courage Project, a national nonprofit that uplifts organizations demonstrating bravery, compassion, and community leadership, named the Samaritans one of its 12 honorees for 2025. The award comes with a $25,000 grant aimed at furthering their humanitarian mission.
Founded in 2005, the Samaritans were formed out of concerns that federal border policies were pushing migrants into treacherous terrain. Pastor Randy Meyer of the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Sahuarita, who co-founded the group, said increasing reports of people knocking on residents’ doors—lost, dehydrated, or injured—prompted local volunteers to step in…